The Best Seafood Dives in America

After 20 years of exploring (and loving) those rustic restaurants on the water that offer fresh seafood and no fuss, here's the ultimate ranking of the best of the best. From California to Maine, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, from lobster to crab (and usually with fries), get ready to dig in.

Photo: Courtesy of @laursoriano/Lauren Soriano

1. Abbott's Lobster In The Rough

Noank, Connecticut

Abbott'sopened my mind to a whole new concept: the hot lobster roll. It's a big pile of meat drenched in melted butter on a toasted bun, and it's life-changing.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 1999. It was also mentioned in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Radian Photography

2. Provision Company

Southport, North Carolina

Provision Companyis a waterfront joint that gets the balance exactly right, and it's a perfect experience. You eat peeled shrimp, you sip a cool beverage on a dock open to the sea breeze, and you watch the boats glide by. The fact that this is in truly charming Southport heightens the magic.

Must Also Try: Key lime pie.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2001. Also mentioned in 2009, 2011, and 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Leah Van Hook

3. Bowpicker Fish & Chips

Astoria, Oregon

If you make transcendent albacore tuna fish-and-chips, then why bother with anything else? Cook it in an old fishing boat on a trailer and you have Bowpicker, a seafood dive that dreams are made of.

Must Also Try: Take your meal across the street to sit alongside the Columbia River.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2013.

Photo: Courtesy of www.VacationRentalPix.com

4. Sea-N-Suds Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Start with the perfectly cooked fried shrimp and oysters, fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. Then mix your own cocktail sauce—delicious fun in a part of the country that gets fried seafood like none other.

Must Also Try: The spicy gumbo.

Seafood Dive History: Sea-N-Suds was originally a Seafood Dive in 2010. Also mentioned in 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of @breakfastlunchdena/breakfastlunchdena.com

5. The Marshall Store

Marshall, California

There's a brawniness to Tomales Bay oysters that I don't taste anywhere else, and this beloved spot is the best place to enjoy them among so many in this region. Revel in the flavor (and the dramatic view) at The Marshall Store’s communal waterfront tables—you might even get to taste the whole menu by swapping nibbles with newfound friends.

Must Try: Barbecued oysters with garlic butter and house sauce.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2001.

Photo: Courtesy of @laursoriano/Lauren Soriano

6. Red's Eats

Wiscasset, Maine

My favorite lobster roll comes from this tiny stand at the foot of the U.S. 1 bridge. I love what's there (all the meat of a 1-pound lobster) and what's not (mayo).

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2009. Also mentioned in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Michael Hanson

7. The Tides Tavern

Gig Harbor, Washington

Firm, flavorful Alaskan halibut makes the best fish-and-chips. The Tides cooks it perfectly. I also love the craft beers and the only-in-Washington mix of fishermen, tech execs, neo-hippies, passing sailors, and mysterious strangers.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2007. Also mentioned in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Photo: Marie Roussel

8. Casamento's Restaurant

New Orleans, Louisiana

So many nice things come together at Casamento’s: the truly great oysters, the chatty shuckers, the beautiful tile work, the signature oyster loaf (sort of a supercharged po' boy), and the courtly, old-school atmosphere.

Must Also Try: The deliciously messy fish tacos; you'll lick the sauce off your hands.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2010. Also mentioned in 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Madi Haun

11. Bowen's Island

Charleston, South Carolina

There's a reason this place is a local hangout, a seafood lover's pilgrimage spot, and one of my very favorites on the Carolina coast: They dump shovel-fuls of steamed oysters right onto the table. And those oysters are damn fine.

Seafood Dive History: Bowens Island was originally a Seafood Dive in 2000. It burned in 2006, was partially rebuilt and reopened in 2008, was fully rebuilt by 2010, and was again mentioned in Seafood Dives in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Photo: Jessica Sample

12. Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe

Malibu, California

Commercial fishermen own the place, and if they don't love it, they don't sell it. Chill (literally) on breezy covered patios while soaking in the view.

14. Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House

Warwick, Rhode Island

Every bite of the buttery, herb-kissed New England clam chowder at Iggy’smakes me close my eyes and smile. And I can't resist the little square doughnuts that Iggy's calls "doughboys;" neither can every resident of the Ocean State, far as I can tell. Grab an extra half dozen for the road.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2001; also mentioned in 2010 and 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island

16. Star Fish Company

Cortez, Florida

There is a simple, profound pleasure in eating fresh grouper in a beautiful Florida setting, and the best place to realize that dream, for my money, is right here in the still-sleepy fishing village of Cortez.

Must Try: The blackened grouper and the hush puppies.

Seafood Dive History: Star Fish Company was originally a Seafood Dive in 2010. Also mentioned in 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of James Millar

17. Calumet Fisheries

Chicago, Illinois

I found the boldest (aka the best) smoked fish I've ever tasted at this red-roofed takeout hut. These are big, big flavors; one good-size chunk of fish on a cracker almost makes a meal.

Seafood Dive History: Originally a Seafood Dive in 2008. Also mentioned in 2011 and 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Bozo's Seafood Market and Deli

18. Bozo's Seafood Market and Deli

Pascagoula, Mississippi

A po' boy tastes best on the Gulf Coast, where they get the bread just right. Bozo's does an overstuffed version, which arrives hot from the kitchen in a white paper sack with your name scrawled on it. This is the kind of meal you hop a plane for.